Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonite
"Wonderful Tonight" is a romantic song written by Eric Clapton about his then-love, Pattie Boyd. It was included on Clapton's 1977 album Slowhand and released as a single the following year.
While generally regarded as a romantic song (and, for that matter, one of the most popular slow-dancing songs ever recorded), "Wonderful Tonight"'s genesis was less than starry-eyed lyricism. Clapton's inspiration came as he grew impatient for Boyd to finish dressing for a party. In that regard, the lyric "You look wonderful tonight" could be interpreted less as a heartfelt compliment and more as a prod to be finished getting dressed. Nevertheless, the subsequent lyrics grow more patient and loving.
The instrumentation is also worth mention. Clapton's guitar work is largely free of distortion. While not completely uncharacteristic, the use of "clean" guitar marks Clapton's transition away from the overdriven riffs that he had helped popularize with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Cream.
While generally regarded as a romantic song (and, for that matter, one of the most popular slow-dancing songs ever recorded), "Wonderful Tonight"'s genesis was less than starry-eyed lyricism. Clapton's inspiration came as he grew impatient for Boyd to finish dressing for a party. In that regard, the lyric "You look wonderful tonight" could be interpreted less as a heartfelt compliment and more as a prod to be finished getting dressed. Nevertheless, the subsequent lyrics grow more patient and loving.
The instrumentation is also worth mention. Clapton's guitar work is largely free of distortion. While not completely uncharacteristic, the use of "clean" guitar marks Clapton's transition away from the overdriven riffs that he had helped popularize with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Cream.
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